Raley’s adds Instacart as delivery option

Extending its online grocery reach, Raley’s has partnered with Instacart for same-day delivery service across three of its store banners.

The West Sacramento, Calif.-based grocer said yesterday that Instacart delivery has launched at 93 Raley’s, Bel Air Markets and Nob Hill Foods supermarkets in Northern California and Nevada. The company piloted Instacart's service at 20 stores in the Sacramento area in early August and then rolled it out to other stores later that month.

Since 2017, Raley’s has been offering both online grocery delivery and pickup through its own e-commerce service, eCart. The program is powered by web and mobile platform of Unata, which was acquired by Instacart in January 2018. Pickup service began at Raley’s in April 2016, while delivery made its debut in August 2017 in Alameda, Calif., and then was expanded to other market areas. Currently, 114 stores offer eCart pickup and 92 stores offer eCart delivery.

Raley's noted that Instacart brings customers another online grocery delivery option, along with its eCart service.

“The demand from customers for delivery service has continued to steadily grow, and this partnership with Instacart will expand our services to reach more customers,” Deirdre Zimmermann, chief customer experience officer at Raley’s, said in a statement. “We are excited to bring Raley’s great products and competitive prices to Instacart’s loyal customers.”

Related:Raley’s raises product transparency with expanded Shelf Guide

Under the service, Instacart personal shoppers pick, pack and delivery online orders to Raley’s customers in as soon as an hour. To place an order, shoppers go to the Instacart online marketplace or open the Instacart mobile app, select the delivery city and store, add groceries to their virtual cart and choose a delivery window. Orders also can be scheduled up to five days in advance. Raley’s said members of its Something Extra rewards program will still earn points on their Instacart purchases.

For orders of $35 or more, the delivery fee costs $3.99. Customers signing up for a $99 annual Instacart Express membership can get unlimited, free delivery on all orders over $35. All orders are subject to a $10 minimum. Raley’s customers using Instacart delivery for the first time can get $20 off their first order of $35 or more by entering the promotional code “HIRALEYS20” at checkout.

“We know busy people and families are always looking for time saving options when shopping for groceries and household essentials,” commented Andrew Nodes, vice president of retail for Instacart. “We’re proud to partner with Raley’s to broaden their e-commerce offerings and help customers get what they need, delivered where and when they need it.”

Related:Raley’s reins in shrinkage from expired products

Raley’s uses its own personal shoppers to fulfill pickup and delivery orders for the eCart service. For delivery, oders must be placed at least two hours in advance and will be delivered within a 30-minute window chosen by the customer, who is sent a text notification when the delivery is on its way. Pickup times also are offered in 30-minute windows. When customers arrive at the selected store, they park in the designated pickup spot, text or call the number on the sign, and a Raley’s personal shopper brings out their groceries.

For their first three eCart orders and any order more than $100, customers aren’t charged a personal shopper fee. Thereafter, a $5.95 personal shopper fee applies to all orders less than $100. Delivery customers aren’t charged a delivery fee on their first order. After that, the delivery fee is $5 per order. Orders must be placed at least two hours in advance and will be delivered within a 30-minute window selected by the customer. 

Overall, Raley’s operates 129 stores in California and Nevada the Raley’s, Bel Air Markets, Nob Hill Foods, Food Source and Market 5-ONE-5 banners.